PERMISSION TO MEMBERS TO BE ABSENT

The following Members have, under the provisions of subsection (2) (g) of section 42 of the Singapore (Constitution) Order in Council, 1958, obtained from the Speaker permission to be or to remain absent from sittings of the Assembly:

Mr Tan Kia Gan (Paya Lebar), Minister for National Development - from 23rd to 29th October, 1961.

Mr C. H. Koh (Joo Chiat) - from 1st to 30th October, 1961.

Mr Speaker, preceded by the Serjeant at Arms (bearing the Mace) and followed by the Second Clerk-Assistant, the Clerk-Assistant and the Clerk, entered the Chamber.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: Order, order. I have to inform Honourable Members that His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara is due to be present in this Assembly, this morning, at ten minutes past 10 o'clock to deliver his Opening Speech for the Third Session of this the First Legislative Assembly of the State of Singapore.

The Serjeant at Arms left the Chamber.

Mr Speaker: The House will now await the announcement by the Serjeant at Arms of His Excellency's approach. After His Excellency has made his speech, the Assembly will stand adjourned to a day to be named by the Leader of the House in accordance with paragraph (1) of Standing Order No. 13.

10.04 a.m.

The Serjeant at Arms announced tile approach of His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara.

Mr Speaker, preceded by the Serjeant at Arms (bearing the Mace), and followed by the Clerk, the Clerk-Assistant, and the Second Clerk-Assistant, left the Chamber to receive His Excellency.

10.11 a.m.

His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara (accompanied by two A.D.Cs.) entered the Chamber, accompanied by Mr Speaker, who was preceded by the Serjeant at Arms (without tile Mace), the Second Clerk-Assistant, the Clerk-Assistant and the Clerk.

On the Clerk announcing "His Excellency the Yang di-Pertuan Negara", the Yang di-Pertuan Negara delivered his Opening Speech.

10.12 a.m.